An experienced accountant can prepare a tax return in 8 hours. A novice accountant can do the job in 16 hours. How long will it take them to do the job working together?
A) 16 hours

B) $\frac{1}{128}$ hours

C) $5 \frac{1}{3}$ hours

D) $\frac{1}{24}$ hours

Question

An experienced accountant can prepare a tax return in 8 hours. A novice accountant can do the job in 16 hours. How long will it take them to do the job working together?
A) 16 hours

B) $\frac{1}{128}$ hours

C) $5 \frac{1}{3}$ hours

D) $\frac{1}{24}$ hours

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experienced accountant can complete 1/8 of the job per hour, and the novice can complete 1/16 of the job per hour. Working together, they can complete 1/8 + 1/16 = 3/16 of the job per hour. To find the total time taken, divide 1 (the whole job) by 3/16, which equals $5 \frac{1}{3}$ hours.

An Experienced Accountant Can Prepare a Tax Return in 8 1128\frac{1}{128}1281​

An Experienced Accountant Can Prepare a Tax Return in 8 $\frac{1}{128}$